OLYMPICS contender Steven Hill is on his way to Germany – the next step in a long line of hurdles in qualifying for Rio.
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The 27-year-old Clunes showjumper and his mare Yalambi’s Bellini Star won’t have much time to recoup after their 40-hour trip.
To be considered for selection for August’s Olympic Games in Rio, the Australian Showjumping Team must compete throughout Europe in qualifying shows over the next five months.
Hill is one of only 10 riders in the country selected to make this journey.
At the end of May after competing against the world’s most talented showjumpers, the numbers will be reduced to eight.
The final cut of five will be decided close to August as the frenzy surrounding the 2016 Olympics Games heats up.
The journey comes on the back of his winning the Boneo World Cup Qualifier on January 24.
Hill spends each weekend travelling across the state and country competing.
The trip to Europe and the desired Olympics selection will be the pinnacle of those endeavours, reaching for a goal that Hill has had since childhood.
“It’s an expensive exercise. I wouldn’t be going if I didn’t have a fair chance,” he said.
“It’s been a lifetime goal, something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Hill and his sister have been showjumping since childhood, taught by their father.
But it was about six years ago that Hill’s showjumping started to “get more serious”.
“It’s busy. I work 40 hours a week and I ride and I teach and I go to show,” he said.
Now Hill is at the top of his game, as is his 10-year-old mare.
“She’s always been one of the best up-and-coming horses in the country from an early age. Now she’s at her peak age and fitness,” he said.
“She’s a bit different to the others. She’s the favourite, she’s the best.”
He said his victory was dependent on her.
“She was well-bred and when I went and tried her she jumped some really good fences and was a nice type of horse,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter how good a rider you are, if you don’t have the horse, you won’t get to the top. So you’ve got to make the most of it while you’ve got the horse.”
To stay up-to-date with Hill’s journey, visit www.stevenhillshowjumping.com.au
